If you are traveling to Lisbon then you have probably put a lot of thought into your trip. You are most likely purchasing flights, booking accommodation and planning activities to do while in town. With so much planning underway, don’t forget to plan the best part! I’m talking about the local food! There is a ton of amazing local cuisine expertly prepared by the top chefs in the city. You just have to know where to look! When you get into town make sure you have a place for luggage storage in Lisbon, put on some walking shoes and get ready to explore and work up an appetite! Here are our top eight restaurants to eat at in Lisbon.
Café de São Bento
Located near the national parliament, this is the go-to place if you are in the mood for a good old-fashioned steak. The atmosphere here is elegant and decedent with its Victorian inspired red velvet sofas and dark stained wood furniture which pairs well with the cuisine they serve. The space that it is housed in has been around for 40 years and even though the restaurant is fairly new itself, the steaks they serve up are expertly prepared and regarded by some as the best steaks in the city.
Taberna da Rua das Flores
The head chef at Taberna da Rua das Flores has an acute interest and passion for the cuisine of not only Portugal but also of its former colonies. Chef André Magalhães has traveled extensively to learn about local techniques, ingredients and preparation styles, making his restaurant a must visit place for anyone who is interested in traditional Portuguese cuisine.
Manteigaria
If you haven’t tried pasteis de nata, then you are going to want to make time to stop at Manteigaria. Pasteis de nata is one of the most popular deserts in Portugal and is a must try for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in local culture. It is a tart that is defined by its sweet and creamy custard and includes a pinch of powdered cinnamon on the top. The cinnamon is what makes this tart authentic Portuguese.
Red Frog
This one may not be as “hidden” as some of the others on this list, but the cocktail scene in Portugal is booming right now at the hands of this unique spot. Red Frog showcases an intimate vibe though a prohibition-era theme and contrasts it with hyper modern drinks and bites. They use sous-vide machines in their kitchen and include trendy ingredients in their cocktails. Many of these cocktails include traditional Portuguese ingredients like carob, Port and even a custard tart. Stop by here later in the evenings for a few drinks and canapés.
Arkhe
If you are looking for a top tier restaurant that specializes in plant-based fare, you have to check out Arkhe. The Chef João Ricardo was born to a Portuguese father, raised in Brazil, and trained in French cuisine. He started his career as a butcher only to grow tired of working with meat and then became a vegetarian. After his travels through Europe and Asia he landed in Lisbon to create a plant-based experience like no other. Pair one of his world-class vegetarian dishes with one of the brilliant wine selections offered at Arkhe.
Can the Can
You may not be aware of the history of canned food in Lisbon. This city takes its canned food more seriously than most as it had a heavy canning industry that began in 1854. Can the Can is a nod to that as it aspires to elevate canned food by creating inspired dishes like tuna with saffron sauce or octopus with olive oil and paprika. The dining room, in sharp contrast to the canned motif, is sleek, elegant and all white. This helps create the perfect backdrop for their elevated dishes.
Chutnify
This one definitely counts as a hidden gem. This unassuming spot is home to some of the best South Indian cuisine that Lisbon has to offer. The menu has a combination of modern and traditional dishes that draw in people from all walks of life. Their dosas, curries and stews are what they are known for so make sure to try one of these tantalizing dishes on your visit.
Prado
Housed in a former conserves factory, the vibes at Prado will have you feeling like you are dining in an elegant and romantically lit terrarium. Aside from the gorgeous backdrop, the food here is fresh, organic and includes tons of amazing produce. Some of the ingredients used are more adventurous, so don’t be afraid to try something out of your comfort zone.
Have fun eating your way through Lisbon! You are sure to have some of the most unique and satisfying meals here in this diverse city.
